Korean J Parasitol.  2014 Feb;52(1):105-109. 10.3347/kjp.2014.52.1.105.

Evolution of Genetic Polymorphisms of Plasmodium falciparum Merozoite Surface Protein (PfMSP) in Thailand

• Kuesap J
• Chaijaroenkul W
• Ketprathum K
• Tattiyapong P
• Na-Bangchang K

• KMID: 1715681
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3347/kjp.2014.52.1.105

Abstract

Plasmodium falciparum malaria is a major public health problem in Thailand due to the emergence of multidrug resistance. The understanding of genetic diversity of malaria parasites is essential for developing effective drugs and vaccines. The genetic diversity of the merozoite surface protein-1 (PfMSP-1) and merozoite surface protein-2 (PfMSP-2) genes was investigated in a total of 145 P. falciparum isolates collected from Mae Sot District, Tak Province, Thailand during 3 different periods (1997-1999, 2005-2007, and 2009-2010). Analysis of genetic polymorphisms was performed to track the evolution of genetic change of P. falciparum using PCR. Both individual genes and their combination patterns showed marked genetic diversity during the 3 study periods. The results strongly support that P. falciparum isolates in Thailand are markedly diverse and patterns changed with time. These 2 polymorphic genes could be used as molecular markers to detect multiple clone infections and differentiate recrudescence from reinfection in P. falciparum isolates in Thailand.

Keyword

Plasmodium falciparum; merozoite surface protien; genetic polymorphism; Thailand

MeSH Terms

Antigens, Protozoan/*genetics
DNA, Protozoan/genetics
Evolution, Molecular
Humans
Malaria, Falciparum/parasitology
Merozoite Surface Protein 1/*genetics
Plasmodium falciparum/*classification/*genetics/isolation & purification
Polymerase Chain Reaction
*Polymorphism, Genetic
Protozoan Proteins/*genetics
Thailand
Antigens, Protozoan
DNA, Protozoan
Merozoite Surface Protein 1
Protozoan Proteins